Celta Vigo - Barcelona predictions and free betting tips [17/02/2024]

Today within the framework of the 25th round of the Spanish Primera, Celta will host Barcelona at their home field. The Catalans last weekend had a draw, 3:3, against the relegating team, Granada, whereas the "Crusaders" earlier on lost to Getafe at the opponent’s field with a score of 3:2.

Predicted Line-ups

Celta: Guaita; Tapia, U. Nunez, Dominguez; Mankilio, Jeylson, Beltran, Ristic; Allende, Larsen, De la Torre.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Kunde, Araujo,  Martinez, Cancelo; de Jong, Gundogan, Pedri; Jamal, Lewandowski, Rafinha.

Celta

As in the previous season, Rafa Benitez's Celta is battling for survival. Occupying the 17th position in the league table, the hosts are commencing the 25th round, just three points ahead of Cadiz in the relegation zone. The Galicians are currently in their 12th consecutive season in the Spanish football top division. Last weekend, the "Celtics" on the road against Getafe in the outskirts of Madrid showed some tenacity, but still lost their third game in the last four rounds (3:2) – prior failures included matches against Sociedad (0:1 in La Liga and 1:2 in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals) and Girona in La Liga (0:1) – goals by Mayoral and Jaime Mata (double) sealed the deal. It's worth noting that the team from Vigo performs rather poorly at home: in 12 home matches they collected only 10 points, scored 8 goals, and conceded 15.

Having missed the African Cup of Nations with the Ghana national team, Joseph Aidoo is due to return to action only in April after a severe injury. Bamba, who claimed the trophy with Ivory Coast, recently flew to Vigo, but it's uncertain whether he will be in the starting eleven on Saturday. Underused Svedberg (19 years old) suffers from the same physical ailments as Dotor (16 appearances in La Liga this season) – both continue to heal in the medical ward. Yago Aspas (3 goals, 5 assists in La Liga), Larsen (9 goals), and Duvikas (4 goals) are likely to be on the pitch from the very beginning, handling the creativity at the forefront. Late signing Tadeo Allende might also start.

Barcelona

The current Spanish champions are likely to cede their crown to their archrivals - Real Madrid. As by the beginning of the 25th round, ten points divide the two sides. The reason, of course, lies in their lack of victories and, most importantly, serious defensive issues with the Catalans (33 goals conceded in 24 matches). To illustrate, last year Blaugrana let in just 20 goals throughout their entire domestic campaign. A few days before the Champions League play-off clash with Napoli in Italy, Barca will aim to make up for their 3:3 draw with the struggling Granada – Lamin Jamal managed to bag a double. Prior to that, the Azulgranas had taken six points from the two matches in February, defeating Osasuna (1:0) and Alaves (1:3). It's important to note that Xavi's team has remained undefeated away from home in La Liga, winning six and drawing five of their eleven away matches.

Lately, Barca's medics have returned Joao Cancelo, Rafinha (3 goals, 5 assists in La Liga) and captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen to full training. However, talented Joao Felix (4 goals, 2 assists), and the second best team scorer in La Liga, Ferran Torres (7 goals), remain sidelined due to injuries. Let's not forget the injured duo Gavi and Balde, and Romeu, Sergi Roberto and Alonso (recovering from a lumbar operation) will also miss the trip to Vigo. Robert Lewandowski (10 goals in La Liga), is likely to start, while winter recruit Vitor Roque (1 goal in La Liga), back after suspension, will be ready to strengthen the game in the second half. It is expected that Xavi will make two changes in the line-up compared to the last round: Ronald Araujo will return to the heart of defence, and Rafinha will take a place on the left wing.

Head-to-Head

In the first leg of the season, Vigo residents were defeated by Barcelona, 3:2, whereas in the previous season, they beat the Catalans, 2:1 at their home ground.

Match prediction for Celta - Barcelona

Considering Barca's current state, it wouldn’t be unexpected if Celta ends the match Saturday evening in Vigo with a positive result. The Catalans have already lost their chance to claim the championship title in Spain and can now concentrate on a successful performance in the CL, especially given the upcoming 1/8 finals against Napoli. The hosts are fighting for survival and have to secure points on Saturday at all costs – my bet is on the underdog's victory or draw.